5 Differences Between THC and CBD

The marijuana plant, also known as the ‘magical herb’ contains more than 113 chemical compounds (cannabinoids). While it is mostly known as the plant responsible for natural highs, there is more to it than just that.

There are different compounds found in the Cannabis plant resin among them being Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). These are two of the unique compounds found in the plant and which elicit different effects on the brain upon usage.

While CBD is often used for medical treatment, THC is more used for recreation purposes. Let us analyze some of the differences between the two:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is a psychoactive compound found in the marijuana plant. This is the source of the ‘High’ or ‘stoned’ feeling associated with marijuana .The reason is because it easily binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain that subsequently change one’s brain functions.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is one of the core compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. It has a wider range of medical benefits and works by countering the psychoactive effect that is brought about by use of THC.

Differences between CBD and THC

They Bind Differently to the Cannabinoids Receptors

THC binds directly to the CB1and CB2 receptors in the brain and thereby results in a quick high feeling upon usage. This is unlike CBD, which indirectly binds to the brain receptors and actually acts to suppress the effects occasioned by the direct binding of THC to the receptors.

They Produce Contrasting Effects on a Person Upon Usage.

The effects of THC include euphoria and mental impairment, fatigue, hunger, low aggression, impaired senses of smell, sight and hearing . Chronic use leads to abnormalities in the heart and brain. On the other hand, effects of CBD include lower levels of stress and anxiety, relief from depression, decreased inflammatory disorders and lowered psychotic symptoms.

They Have Different Medical Benefits

THC is used to relieve pain, to stimulate appetite in AIDS patients, and as a muscle relaxant. It is additionally used to soothe and protect nerve cells from damage, subdue nausea and vomiting and help reduce pressure on the eyes for people suffering from Glaucoma. CBD is used for cancer treatment to subdue and inhibit growth of cancer cells. It is used as a pain reliever, to reduce depressive symptoms, to lower stress and anxiety as well as treat Schizophrenia.

Legality of Use for CBD and THC

CBD, which is imported from hemp grown outside of the United States and from hemp strains that have high CBD and low THC concentrates, is legally accepted in all 50 States. THC on the other hand is prohibited in most of the states with only 29 states approving a licensed physician’s use of medical marijuana.

Different Plants Contain Either THC or CBD

THC is mainly found in high concentrates in the marijuana plant while CBD is mainly found in high concentrates in Industrial hemp. Since marijuana is majorly grown for recreation purposes, it contains more THC than CBD. However, due to the increasing popularity in the use of medical marijuana, breeders are creating strains with higher CBD to THC ratios in order to minimize and balance the harmful psychoactive side effects.

In conclusion,the lower health risks associated with CBD, combined with its many benefits, makes it more appealing for use in medical applications than THC.